JUICING FOR CHILDREN

DO YOU GIVE FRESH JUICES TO YOUR CHILDREN?

IS IT NECESSARY, SINCE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE ALREADY PRESENT IN THEIR DIET?

Freshly squeezed juices of fruit and vegetables are one of the best ways to get a high concentration of vitamins and essential minerals for the healthy growth of our children.

WOULD A SMOOTHIE BE A BETTER OPTION?

When we juice we remove the fibres of the fruit/vegetable, so compared to a smoothie it makes it more concentrated, easier to digest and easier to assimilate. As a result, juicing is particularly effective for better absorption of nutrients (vitamins, minerals and enzymes) from fruits and vegetables. It is also a great way to revitalise and nourish our body at cellular level.

BENEFITS OF JUICING FOR CHILDREN

Including fresh fruit and vegetable juices in the diet is a great way to get high concentrations of nutrients in a form much easier to absorb and that also helps strengthen the immune system.

Juicing is also a great way to introduce new foods into the baby’s diet and to test a variety of flavours. It’s easy to combine the least favourite vegetables with other ingredients and altering the taste during juicing to make them more enjoyable. In this way we can easily mix a variety of fruit and vegetables contributing to a more balanced diet.

INTRODUCE FOODS GRADUALLY

A healthy fresh juice is cocktail of natural and nourishing ingredients, but also a highly concentrated one, so it is better to start gradually, especially when introducing new foods and always observe any unwanted effects so to adjust accordingly.

IS THERE A BEST TIME TO DRINK YOUR JUICE?

The ideal time of day to consume a fresh vegetable juice is in the morning and on an empty stomach to better absorb the nutrients.

FOOD COMBINATION

Some vegetables do not combine well with fruit because of their high starch content.

In fact, it is preferable to consume foods with a high content of starch aside as starches are digested with different enzymes than those used for any other food group. The combination of starchy veg with fruit can in fact cause fermentation and gas.

HEALTH AND ORAL HYGIENE

After consuming the juice it is preferable to rinse the mouth with fresh water to remove residues of juice and sugar (naturally present) from the oral cavity.

Here is a quick, pleasant recipe for children, rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamin C, especially critical during the colder months.

This juice acts as a natural detoxifier thanks to the apple and its high content of quercetin, an antioxidant that acts as a natural anti-histamine and can help stimulate and strengthen the immune system, especially during periods of stress.

Other detoxifying properties come from carrots that, with their high vitamin A content, help the liver to eliminate toxins from the body. In addition, this ingredient, so appreciated by kids, brings a number of important benefits to health, skin and the prevention of certain cancers.

For this recipe I’m using a juice extractor.

Ingredients

1 orange

1 apple

2 carrots

Method

Peel the orange and slice the apple. Remove the seeds.

Alter the various ingredients in the juice extractor, starting with the orange, then the apple and leave the carrots for last so they will help clean any residue of fruit in the juice extractor.